After school the next day, I came home to my continuous grounding. Ever since Charlie found out about the bike, the punishment for leaving unexpectedly was exponentially worse. It would be hours until I would be allowed to see Edward again, thanks to the new visiting hours limits placed on him, but I didn’t mind too much on this particular day. Alice was free to come and go as she pleased, and I was thankful she didn’t exercise that privilege at this moment. The very last thing I needed was to have the rest of the family know about me. Thankfully, Edward was the one who could read minds. Even better – he couldn’t read mine.

As the homework-filled hours ticked by, I couldn’t help but watch the clock as Edward’s arrival, along with what was sure to be a painful conversation, drew ever closer. I wasn’t sure if I was more excited to get to see him, or terrified of what I knew was coming. Maybe he would forget – I certainly wouldn’t mind that. Or worse – maybe he would leave again, without another word.

Right on the dot, the doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts. I stood up, slightly relieved, and went to get it. Both Charlie and I were used to the routine by now, and he didn’t even stir.

I had been wearing long sleeves with the perfect excuse of Fork’s winter weather, leaving Charlie in the dark about the worst of my depression. He had certainly noticed my saddened, unhappy, less-eating state. I couldn’t imagine the trouble I’d be in if he realized I had been cutting almost every other day since Edward left. Even Jacob, my sun, hadn’t managed to put an end to the ever-present pain.

“Good evening, Bella. Chief Swan,” Edward greeted, politely as always. The very first thing I noticed was the grin plastered onto his face. He looked beautiful, like a god. The dark blue shirt and jeans he wore looked stunning with his hazel eyes.

I returned his greeting with a weak smile of my own. I couldn’t imagine why he would be so happy. My situation surely wasn’t the cause, and Charlie’s back didn’t deserve the warming beauty of his crooked smile. The fear of the imminent talk we would be holding later was likely clear on my face, and Edward’s happiness slowly disappeared as his gaze studied my features.

Charlie’s return greeting consisted of a grunt – another usual.

Edward took my hand and led me to the kitchen table where my homework lay, half finished.

“Work, Bella,” he instructed. One perfect finger pointed at my open textbook to make sure I understood.

I rolled my eyes at him and sat while he located an extra pen and paper before sinking into the chair next to mine.

Mere seconds into my work, the torn piece of paper he had found was shoved in front of me.

Tonight, Bella.

I exhaled in relief to my temporary escape written out in Edward’s black-inked, perfect handwriting.

Just a moment’s pause and the paper was yanked back to Edward by one stunning hand. As he scribbled on for a few seconds more, I looked up at his face. Intense focus—more than anybody should need to write something—was evident. I silently laughed at the thought. He looked up at my curious expression and pushed the paper back to me.

Tomorrow, I have something for you. Don’t worry . . . I didn’t spend more than necessary. I’ll explain more tonight.

I scowled at him – upset he had spent anything on me. At the same time, I was interested to find out what he believed was so necessary. Tonight was definitely going to be more exciting that I thought.